What are the responsibilities and job description for the Library Internship, Exhibitions Services Department, Duke Library position at Duke?
Duke University:
Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.
Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.
Be You.
At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the **Exhibition Intern**, you’ll be a vital part of a collaborative, creative environment where your curiosity, perspective, and passion for public scholarship and design can thrive.
Be Bold.
Join a team shaping how stories are told through exhibits that inspire, inform, and spark engagement across campus and beyond. This internship offers hands‑on experience with exhibition work—from design and installation to curation and outreach—equipping you with practical skills that translate to a wide range of professional pathways.
What You’ll Do:
This part‑time (.49 FTE), onsite internship runs from August 2026–May 2027 for up to 19 hours per week. Compensation is $18.00/hour. Apply at careers.duke.edu (Requisition ID #). Applications without required materials will not be reviewed.
- Learn and implement best practices for library exhibitions, including preparation, layout, design, and installation.
- Assist with label creation, including editing, formatting, printing, and mounting.
- Support exhibition citations, copyright clearance, and image management.
- Contribute to public programming and outreach such as exhibit websites, social media posts, and event planning.
- Participate in meetings with faculty, students, and partners curating exhibitions.
- Curate materials, research and write copy, and develop exhibit design for a small exhibition.
- Manage the Hubbard Exhibition Case, including communication with curators, layout development, monthly installations, and related content.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Learn More: Info Session
Join the hiring managers to learn more about the internship opportunities.
**Date:** Wednesday, March 18th, 2:00–3:00pm ET
**Zoom Link:** https://duke.zoom.us/j/93327587232?pwd=bXAEPXe4lpygJzirthUqJdNjlAbycZ.1
**Meeting ID:** 933 2758 7232
**Passcode:** 128838
Choose Duke.
At Duke University Libraries, you won’t just assist with exhibitions—you’ll learn how to build them from the ground up. As an Exhibition Intern, you’ll gain hands‑on, real‑world experience that most students don’t encounter until much later in their careers.
In this internship, you will:
- Learn exhibition design from concept to installation, including layout planning, visual storytelling, and creating visitor‑centered experiences.
- Develop practical design and production skills, such as label creation, editing, formatting, printing, and mounting.
- Build confidence working with curators, faculty, students, and project partners.
- Gain experience in research‑driven curation, writing compelling exhibit copy, and shaping narratives that connect audiences to collections.
- Strengthen your digital skills through image management, copyright research, web content, and social media outreach.
- Own a full mini‑exhibition project, giving you a tangible portfolio piece.
- Manage the Hubbard Exhibition Case, gaining insight into public‑facing display development.
At Duke, you’ll be supported by professionals who are invested in your growth. You’ll leave this internship with marketable skills, a stronger network, and a standout portfolio.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Submit your resume, cover letter, and three references to begin your journey at Duke.
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to USD $22.84. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Salary : $18